The offending message went to those studying at the University of Durham's Hatfield College and came from Rachael Boyce, the vice-president for welfare for the college's Junior Common Room (JCR).

The flyer contained information about International Women's Day, and a free all-female comedy night.

OUCH: The weekly flyer contained the unfortunate link [SWNS]

“you (might) have noticed that it included a external link; this email has been in the drafts folder for a number of days and unfortunately the password to this account has been unchanged for a number of years.”

Rachael Boyce, the vice-president for welfare for Hatfield College's Junior Common Room

Ms Boyce sent an apology just 14 minutes after the original to say: "You have all just received an email from the JCR, as your usual Weekly Welfare.

"However you (might) have noticed that it included a external link; this email has been in the drafts folder for a number of days and unfortunately the password to this account has been unchanged for a number of years.

"This resulted in a link being added, that I didn't notice when sending the draft email out this morning.

"Apologies to you all."

Ms Boyce told e-mail recipients the message was her last as the outgoing vice-president for welfare and she has been succeeded by a new official.

Durham University is investigating the incident and Hatfield College declined to comment.